2003 Dodge SX 2.0 review from North America
"Dodge throws walls up to discourage you from fixing this car.."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Front A-arm bushings.
Accessory belt tensioner.
Vacuum recirculation pump (fuel system).
General comments?
While I enjoyed the economy this car provides you with, like the best in class for fuel economy and cheap initial price... I am dismayed with the fact that the manufacturer does NOT intend you to bother to repair it... AT ALL!
Every time I went to do work, other than maintenance on the car (other than consumables, brakes, oil etc) I was met with a proverbial brick wall. For example, the front control arm bushing went, not a big deal, but the rear A-arm bolt was not designed to be removed... WHAT? The technical service bulletin says to cut a hole in the floor from inside the car (WHAT?) and heat the backing nuts cherryred to remove bolts... tisk tisk...
The accessory belt tensioner was noisy, and at 160K I understand it need to be replaced, not a big deal (said that before). On VWs, which I'm used to, there's 3 13mm bolts to remove it, easy. On the Neon, there's 3 bolts too, but... um... they're sandwiched between the engine block and an aluminum bracket that holds the power steering pump, alternator etc. I basically have to remove the engine to change this small tensioner. (WHAT?)
Dodge designed this car to be driven and NOT repaired... ever. Where's the economy in that?
Recommended reviews
| Good gas mileage not worth the engine trouble |
|
| Great car, great price |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model year | 2003 |
| Year of manufacture | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 DOHC Manual |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 160000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Jetta |
| Date of Entry | 16th September, 2009 |